Process for the preparation of oxiranes

Abstract

A process for the preparation of oxiranes is disclosed in which a ketone of the formula ##STR1## wherein Y represents chlorine or phenyl, X represents oxygen or CH 2 and Z represents hydrogen or halogen is reacted with trimethylsulphonium methyl sulphate formed by treating dimethyl sulphide with dimethyl sulphate. The process is carried out in the presence of potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide powder in an inert organic diluent at 0° to 60° C. The products are useful as intermediates for the formation of plant growth regulants and fungicides.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A process for the preparation of an oxirane of the formula ##STR12## in which Y represents chlorine and Z represents hydrogen, consisting of contacting 1.0 to 1.6 moles of dimethyl sulphide with 1.0 to 1.5 moles of dimethyl sulphate in the presence of acetonitrile or toluene and contacting the resultant trimethylsulphonium methyl sulphate of the formula ##STR13##  with a ketone of the formula ##STR14##  in which Y and Z have the meanings indicated above, in the presence of 1.5 to 2.0 moles of potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide powder per mole of said ketone and in the presence of acetonitrile or toluene at a temperature between 10° C. and 40° C.   
     
     
       2. A process according to claim 1 wherein the process is carried out without isolating said trimethylsulphonium methyl sulphate. 
     
     
       3. A process according to claim 1, wherein said process is carried out under normal pressure. 
     
     
       4. A process according to claim 1, wherein said process is carried out under elevated pressure. 
     
     
       5. A process according to claim 1, wherein said process is carried out under reduced pressure.